NGT pulls up NHAI over installation of weighbridges

The National Green Tribunal today pulled up National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for delay in installation of weighbridges at different entry points to the capital.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar took strong objection to NHAI's submission that it was not possible for it to install weighbridges at different entry points as it can construct it only at six places where it has its own toll booths around Delhi.
"You are saying you will install weighbridges only on highways. What about other entry points? Trucks will divert to other routes and it will create another chaos.

"Out of 53 entry points into the capital you say your installing weighbridges only on six tolls. Why don't you do it on other points? You give it to management and charge money from the state government under which the area falls. What is the problem," the bench asked.
During the hearing, NHAI said, "There are roads under municipal corporation, then there are state highways and other arterial roads, we cannot work on those as it does fall under us."
NHAI also told the bench that there was a problem of acquisition of land for installation of weighbridges and it has to be done by the state.

On this the bench asked, "Where is acquisition involved in fixing weighbridges?"

"You all are great. You always want key in your hand. We will direct you and you will have no choice. Have a meeting on these two issues. Take instructions and sort it out," the bench said posting the matter for hearing on August 3.
The tribunal had earlier summoned Member (Technical) of NHAI and directed him to submit complete records on the construction of weighbridges.
In January, it had directed installation of online weighing machines at a short distance from the various entry points to Delhi to allow only those vehicles which are found to be neither overloaded nor polluting.

With regard to Western Peripheral Expressway, Principal Secretary (Industries) Haryana gave an undertaking to the tribunal that first stretch from Manesar-Palwal would be functional by January, 2016.